Aku mihi – Artist Statement

Tēnā tātou katoa. Ānei rā te mihi ki te rangi me te whenua

Ki ngā mate kua wheturangitia haere atu rā

Ki a tātou ngā waihotanga o rātou mā

Tēna koutou tēna tātou katoa

Ko Maungakiekie te maunga

Ko Waitematā te moana

Ko Takaparawhau te whenua

Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi

Ko Arekatera Maihi toku ingoa

Mauri ora ki a tātou

I am of Ngāti Whātua o Orakei, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Tainui, Te Waiohua, and Ngā Puhi descent. I am an accomplished artist, musician, carver and Tā moko artist.

I graduated from the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in 2006 where I now am Head of Schools. I established Toitu Design Ltd in 2007

Since its inception, Toitu Design has been a leader in its field and we have built a reputation around expertise, authenticity and workmanship to the highest standard. Our strength is fusing traditional Māori art forms with contemporary design.

Arekatera Maihi (of Ngāti Whatua and Ngāpuhi descent). Taa moko artist, wood carver, designer. Image Credit: Drifting Perspective.

Photo courtesy of Moko Aotearoa

Inking